Range hood extension

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an extension for a range hood, the extension having a pair of detachable supports, each detachable support having a base and an extendable arm; and a cover, with the cover removably secured to each of the detachable supports via each extendable arm, wherein each detachable support is detachably securable to the range hood to provide the extension. The present invention further relates to a kit for the extension.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present specification relates generally to range hoods, and more particularly to a detachable extension element for an existing range hood.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A range hood is a standard element in both residential and commercial kitchens. The range hood is located over the range and stovetop and contains a fan to draw up smoke and other emissions created by cooking, and vent these emissions to the exterior of the building. While range hoods exhibit some variance in power and design, their operation is substantially consistent.

However, particularly in the residential environment, the coverage provided by the range hood may not be sufficient to capture all the emissions from the range top and over. Even at higher fan power settings, the effectiveness of the range hood is limited by the coverage of its surface. Over time, escaped emissions can lead to the buildup of residue in the area around the cooking space. Even with regular cleaning, accumulation of grease and particles from non-captured emissions on floors, walls and furniture may still be an issue.

While there are some modifications to range hoods known in the art, it would be desirable to have an extension for a range hood which may be removed when not required, and may be easily stored for ready access when needed.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a detachable extension for a range hood.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an extension for a range hood, the extension having a pair of detachable supports, each detachable support having a base and an extendable arm; and a cover, with the cover removably secured to each of the detachable supports via each extendable arm, wherein each detachable support is detachably securable to the range hood to provide the extension.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for a range hood extension, the kit including a pair of detachable supports, each detachable support having a base and an extendable arm; and wherein each detachable support is detachably securable to a range hood to provide the range hood extension by attaching a cover to each extendable arm. The kit may additionally include a cover.

Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention, and how they may be carried into effect, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a detachable arm according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the detachable arm of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a top view of an extension without a cover according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2B is a top view of the extension of FIG. 2A with a cover; and

FIG. 3 is a top view of a cover according to an embodiment.

Like reference numerals indicated like or corresponding elements in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to range hoods, and more particularly to a detachable extension for a range hood to enhance the emission capturing ability of the range hood and fan therein.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a range hood extension may comprise a pair of detachable arms 110, each of which is secured to the top surface of a range hood 120. A removable cover 130 is secured to each of the detachable arms 110 to extend the coverage of the range hood 120, thus capturing more of the particles and other products emitted from the range and stovetop located under the range hood 120. Removable cover 130 may extend substantially parallel to the surface of range hood 120, or may be positioned at a different angle to reduce interference with the user during operation of the range and stovetop.

One of the detachable arms 110 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Each detachable arm 110 may include a base 140 and an extendable arm 150. Base 140 is detachably secured to range hood 200 (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B) via a magnet 160 located in the interior of base 140. Additionally, base 140 may further include a cushion 170 of foam or felt or similar material on the bottom surface to reduce the potential of damage to the surface of range hood 200. As shown, extendable arm 150 is a telescoping arm, although it may be foldable or otherwise collapsible to reduce the space required for storage. Extendable arm 150 may further include clips 180 to secure cover 130 as shown in FIG. 1B.

Extendable arms 150 may be rigidly secured to base 140. Alternatively, extendable arms 150 may be tiltable and/or pivotable from base 140 to compensate for the angle of the surface of the range hood 120 and to provide tension to support cover 130. By tilting pivoting the extendable arms 150, the angle of the cover 130 acts to direct emissions from the range and stovetop towards the range hood fan.

Range hood 120 may be a stand-alone range hood, or a combination microwave and range hood, as merely a protrusion of sufficient dimensions to permit base 140 to rest on its surface is required to secure the range hood extension.]

Cover 130 may be made from fabric or synthetic material, and may be rigid, semi-rigid or flexible, and transparent or opaque, as desired. As shown in FIG. 1B, cover 130 is detachably engaged to each of the extendable arms 150 via clips 180. As an alternative to clips 180 on extendable arm 150, engagement may be provided by embedded magnets 190 in the cover 130 as shown in FIG. 3, or by loops or sleeves dimensioned to slide over the extendable arms, or other methods (Velcro™, snaps, etc.). Preferably, cover 130 is secured under sufficient tension to prevent cover 120 from deforming or sagging, which may potentially interfere with the user's operation of the range and stovetop.

Alternatively, a disposable item such as a dishcloth or paper towel could be used as cover 130 and secured by clips 180. Preferably, cover 130 should be made from a heat-resistant and/or fire-retardant material, to reduce the risk of fire typically present when operating a range or stovetop.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An extension for a range hood, comprising: a pair of detachable supports, each detachable support having a base and an extendable arm; and a cover, the cover removably secured to each of the detachable supports via each extendable arm, wherein each detachable support is detachably securable to the range hood to provide the extension.
 2. The extension of claim 1, wherein each base further comprises a magnet.
 3. The extension of claim 1, wherein each extendable arm further comprises a clip to secure the cover.
 4. The extension of claim 1, wherein each extendable arm is a telescoping arm.
 5. The extension of claim 1, wherein each extendable arm is tiltable and pivotable from the base.
 6. The extension of claim 1, wherein the cover is made of a heat-resistant material.
 7. The extension of claim 1, wherein the cover is made of a flexible material.
 8. The extension of claim 1, wherein the cover is self-securing to each extendable arm via one or more of: Velcro™, magnets, and snaps.
 9. The extension of claim 1, wherein each base further comprises a protective surface which rests against the surface of the range hood.
 10. The extension of claim 9, wherein the protective surface is one of: foam rubber, felt, plastic and cardboard.
 11. A kit for a range hood extension, comprising: a pair of detachable supports, each detachable support having a base and an extendable arm; and wherein each detachable support is detachably securable to a range hood to provide the range hood extension by attaching a cover to each extendable arm.
 12. The kit of claim 11, further comprising a cover, the cover removably secured to each of the detachable supports via each extendable arm.
 13. The kit of claim 11, wherein each base further comprises a magnet.
 14. The kit of claim 11, wherein each extendable arm further comprises a clip to secure a cover.
 15. The kit of claim 11, wherein each extendable arm is a telescoping arm.
 16. The kit of claim 11, wherein each extendable arm is pivotable from the base.
 17. The kit of claim 12, wherein the cover is made of a flexible, heat-resistant material.
 18. The kit of claim 12, wherein the cover is self-securing to each extendable arm via one or more of: Velcro™, magnets, and snaps.
 19. The kit of claim 12, wherein each base further comprises a protective surface which rests against the surface of the range hood.
 20. The kit of claim 19, wherein the protective surface is one of: foam rubber, felt, plastic and cardboard. 